In an emailed statement to Black Press, Transport Canada spokesperson Marie-Anyk Côté said that Canadian carry-on luggage rules were being updated to be more in line with European Union and United Kingdom carry-on regulations and reflect the rules set out by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

“The European Union, the United Kingdom and New Zealand have allowed knives, scissors and tools six centimetres or less on aircraft for several years. Passengers who travel from these countries to Canada with small knives have done so for years without issues,” said Côté.

“Given increased security awareness of air travellers and the aviation community, small knives represent a limited risk to aviation safety and security.”